Saumya pens an open letter to India, from an Indian girl, raising pertinent and burning issues that she faces, as part of the Special Feature, exclusively for Different Truths.
Dear India,
As much as I am proud to stand for the woman in me, I can’t help but feel helpless to be born as a girl in this country. As a female, I have to fight for anything and everything, which comes as natural to the opposite gender. Of course, you won’t accept my allegations; after all, you are a country where patriarchal traditions prevail.
I am tired of battling judgment that comes my way from all the corners of the society. Since childhood we are told what to wear, how to conduct, our timelines are set, and basically, every decision of our life is monitored. I can’t even question because that contradicts the tight and limited mould I am supposed to fit in as a woman. Please realise that I am not Cinderella and I don’t want to get in those shoes. I want to build my own fairytale, my own empire, where I am free and liberated.
When I should get married and have a child should be my choice. I don’t want to be governed by the stereotypical expectations, which don’t meet my timelines. A live-in relationship makes me an easier bait. But wait, aren’t there two required for a live-in relationship? Also, smoking and drinking are hazardous to health for women only? No. Really? Then why are we only subject to the criticism? I have bruised my throat and inner self by asking these questions and many more, but instead of answers, more
condemn comes my way.
One may think that it prevails in the rural areas, but I write from the urban ones. I can’t fathom what the underprivileged women go through. They are not even born with the thinking and questioning power. They accept their fate as the definition of a woman. Even after staying amidst an educated crowd, I am judged for my period stains. Cramps are lesser painful when compared to the looks you get from the public. FYI – Yes I bleed, and no, I don’t bleed blue. Funny how people painted from the same remnant of
woman’s body cleansing can raise eyebrows for it.
Not once, but there are many instances that the world limited my capacity for achievement, just because I was born a woman. Pick a newspaper and you’ll find how many times I was tormented, judged, and put to shame, while the culprits were set free.
Don’t tell me what time to get indoors, don’t advise me on my dress code, don’t tell me what job profile suits my gender, don’t tell me what a “sabya naari” will do. First, provide me a “sabhya” nation! We, the women of India demand that. I mean it.
Before you wrap a veil on me or put a tape on my lips, please unveil your eyes to the judgment that surrounds the women of this country. We were and will keep fighting, but a little help will ensure to reach a healthy nation faster.
Being optimistic,
Yours Sincerely,
An Indian Girl, speaking for many.
Picture design Anumita Roy
#IWD2018 #InternationalWomensDay #OpenLetter #IndianGirl #DifferentTruths
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